US President Donald Trump is considering easing sanctions on Russia on a quid pro quo basis, according to the authoritative outlet The Atlantic, as cited by NUR.KZ. The news was reported by infohub.kz.
According to sources cited by the publication, Trump's representatives proposed trading the release of Russian political prisoners for a softening of American sanctions, which would open the way to business deals even before the war in Ukraine ends.
"Several months ago, Donald Trump's representative in Eastern Europe approached the president with a new idea aimed at breaking the deadlock in US relations with Moscow. The plan envisioned a quid pro quo exchange reminiscent of the Cold War. The Kremlin would release a number of political prisoners, and the US would in return ease sanctions on the Russian economy. Trump approved the initiative," the publication quoted its sources as saying.
According to those sources, the new plan, still in its early stages and not previously reported in the press, promises to help advance several of Trump's goals at once. In particular, it could help reintegrate Russia into the global economy.
In addition, the plan could broaden the scope of Trump's talks with the Kremlin, moving beyond the intractable problem of the war in Ukraine, which his representatives have failed to stop despite more than a year of diplomatic efforts. It would also open the way to deals beneficial to the US involving Russian oil, diesel fuel, rare earth metals and other goods. As an added benefit, the release of prisoners on humanitarian grounds could boost Trump's chances of winning the Nobel Peace Prize, which he has long coveted.
"However, such an approach to dealing with the Kremlin is likely to outrage Ukrainians, Europeans and even many of Trump's allies on Capitol Hill. Any potential deal between the US and Russia carries the risk that funds will be channeled to the needs of the Russian army, which continues to terrorize Ukraine and threaten a large-scale war against US allies in Europe," the publication says.
It is noted that this month Trump signed a law co-authored by the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. The law gives the president the authority to impose tough sanctions on Russia and its trading partners.